Irene was gentle with her father from that day forward and it wasn't something he was used to.
Normally his daughter eagerly dove into his arms and played rough with him as much as his son. He didn't like to be seen as fragile but each time he put on clothing in the morning and he tightened his belt and sword around his waist, he saw just how much weight he had been losing. It was easy to hide for now but once summer hit and lighter material would be necessary, he hoped his daughter was back with the knights or Irene was going to be worried.
Arne found out that Irene finally knew of the situation and spirits were low in the house for the following few days. Not many words were shared as they went through the motions of living. Irene didn't feel like eating much or sword practicing. She found herself getting lost in the very library she found out about her father's sickness.
